I’m always in awe when discussions about the NBA’s best starting fives come up. Let’s dive into this topic by evaluating the standout lineups from different arenas and how they stack up. If we take the Brooklyn Nets’ starting five playing at Barclays Center, you can’t help but be impressed. With superstars like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, this lineup has a combined average points per game (PPG) of 55.8. Notably, Durant alone brings a player efficiency rating (PER) of 25.3, which is among the highest in the league. Just for comparison, the average NBA player’s PER is around 15. This kind of performance not only electrifies fans but also has significant financial impacts on ticket sales and merchandise.
Over at the Staples Center, the Los Angeles Lakers boast an impressive starting five anchored by LeBron James and Anthony Davis. LeBron, even at the age of 36, averages nearly 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists per game. It’s not just about the stats, though. The duo’s on-court synergy has reinvigorated a franchise with a storied history, leading them to the 2020 NBA Championship. The arena plus is usually packed to the rafters, with an average attendance rate of 98.7% for home games, according to recent reports. This brings massive revenue, considering the average ticket price stands at nearly $200.
Now, shift your gaze to TD Garden, where the Boston Celtics have their fortress. The starting five, led by Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart, is a blend of youthful exuberance and defensive prowess. Tatum’s scoring ability, averaging 26.4 PPG, combined with Smart’s defensive prowess, which sees him often in the Defensive Player of the Year discussions, makes this lineup formidable. Tatum’s usage rate is an incredible 30.6%, meaning he’s the focal point of almost a third of all Celtics’ plays while on the court. When you talk about influences, look no further than the 17 NBA Championships the Celtics boast, a testament to the quality and consistency of their lineups over the years.
In the Midwest, the Milwaukee Bucks’ Fiserv Forum is home to a fantastic starting five led by Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis, or the “Greek Freak,” has one of the highest player value over replacement player (VORP) ratings in the league, standing at 8.5. This metric, which estimates a player’s overall contribution to a game, highlights just how indispensable Giannis is. His ability to score, defend, and facilitate makes him a one-man arsenal, propelling the Bucks to secure the 2021 NBA Championship. With sponsorship deals flooding in, reporting over $235 million in annual revenue, the Bucks’ organizational efficiency is evident in their ability to build around their superstar.
Jumping to the Western Conference, the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena present a unique case. Their starting five, with Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, has a distinctive balance. Mitchell’s explosive scoring, averaging 26.5 PPG, combined with Gobert’s shot-blocking and rebounding, makes for a challenging matchup. Gobert’s average of 2.7 blocks per game and his defensive win shares (DWS) rating of 5.2 make him an integral part of the Jazz’s interior defense. The Jazz’s three-point shooting efficiency also sets them apart, with a team average of 39.6%, one of the highest in the league. News outlets frequently highlight their defensive strength and scoring depth.
The Golden State Warriors, playing at the Chase Center, offer another spectacular lineup. Stephen Curry, with his unparalleled shooting ability, continues to redefine the game. Curry’s true shooting percentage (TS%) of 66.3% is astronomical, especially considering he attempts over 11 three-pointers per game. This high percentage shows his shooting efficiency across different types of shots. Add Draymond Green’s playmaking and defensive versatility into the mix, and you have an exceptional starting five. Their fast-paced playing style, with an average pace of 103.3 possessions per game, often leaves opponents struggling to keep up.
Moving further South to American Airlines Arena, the Miami Heat’s starting five showcases resilience and flexibility. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo spearhead this squad. Butler, famed for his clutch performances, particularly in playoff scenarios, brings an all-around game, contributing significant points, rebounds, and assists. He averages 21.5 PPG, 6.9 RPG, and 7.1 APG. Adebayo’s presence in the paint, with his average of 10.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, fortifies their defense. The Heat’s commitment to ‘Heat Culture,’ a term often mentioned in sports media, emphasizes hard work, determination, and team-first mentality.
In Texas, the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center stand tall with Luka Dončić leading the pack. This young superstar, at just 22 years old, already boasts impressive stats, including an average of 28.3 PPG, 8.7 RPG, and 9.1 APG. Luka’s usage rate is 35.0%, underscoring how much the Mavericks rely on his multifaceted game. His performances have not just dazzled fans but also boosted the team’s share of local and national television ratings, giving them immense economic leverage.
Lastly, the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center have risen dramatically, thanks to the proficient leadership of Chris Paul and the scoring prowess of Devin Booker. Paul, with an average of 8.7 assists per game, orchestrates the offense masterfully, leading in assists and possessing a stunning assist-to-turnover ratio (ATR) of 4.79. Booker, with his scoring average of 25.6 PPG, adds a lethal edge. Their 2021 NBA Finals run showcased their potential, and their ticket sales surged by 35% during the 2020-2021 season. The chemistry displayed by this lineup turned them into an overnight sensation in the NBA world.